Before I enter the formal publishing stage, there is the matter of having a completed manuscript. As part of this work, I am currently making a review of the stories. And, I am writing the apparatus–the other parts of the book that will, hopefully, complement the stories. For this, I am writing an introduction, interview, and reading guide questions.

So, the work continues, and I look forward to updating you soon on the next step. This next step will be contracting with the publisher.

Here is an excerpt from “Higher Education,” the story that will open the collection. As the spring semester winds to a close, I am looking forward to putting my book publishing work at the top of the to do list. Finally, there will be time for this work. My goal is to publish this fall–as a traditional book and as an e-book. I look forward to posting updates as I progress.

My goal has been to begin building a reading community several months prior to the release of the book, and this excerpt is a step in that direction. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. I am glad to be posting this excerpt as it makes the pending project of publishing a book feel more real.

“Higher Education” is a story of when gay town meets gown in a college town, and it speaks to the romantic aspirations we have when meeting someone new and the questions that follow–as we decide if we should or shouldn’t. Here is the opening of “Higher Education”:

Tanya eyed Serge as she sipped her beer and returned her pint glass to the table with a loud report: “Here we are again, a fag and his hag fattening their livers.”

She laughed aloud as she scanned the men standing and posing around the bar. This was the lesbian’s life as she knew it—being surrounded by men while out with a gay male friend. Alas, she was used to this. It was perhaps easier anyway to focus on Serge’s actual chances than her own improbable ones when it came to meeting another woman—at least tonight in this bar. She confirmed her thoughts were more pragmatic than pessimistic as she once again surveyed the crowd. It was all men. She reminded herself that York Street Café was a boys’ bar, but then again, what else would there be when it came to gay nightlife in New Haven?

Watching Tanya survey the room, Serge responded: “I think we’re more like gay friends. I’m not sure a lesbian can be a fag hag.”

“Words, words, words . . . point’s the same,” retorted Tanya as she continued to assess the crowd before settling her gaze back on Serge: “You haven’t had a boyfriend in months.”

“I know,” replied Serge as he sipped his beer.

“And I haven’t had a girlfriend in years,” exclaimed Tanya.

“That’s because you’re too picky,” responded Serge.

“Not half as picky as these Yalies,” retorted Tanya. She glared over her beer at the men milling around their high top table. It was standing room only tonight, which was unusual for this time on a Friday evening. Tanya commented: “This place is packed tonight.”

Tanya noticed there were many more students in the bar than usual. She could tell from the college logos that branded their clothing. She could also tell from more subtle signs. The countenances of the fresh faced young men, who were confident of bright futures, tended to contrast the workaday weary faces that otherwise populated the bar and the streets of New Haven beyond. These post-industrially pale faces stood in stark contrast to the sun-tinted features of these certain young men, who were apparently out in droves this evening. There were Yalies, but there were many more Palies walking the streets of New Haven. For these people, college life looked like a mysterious alternate universe, something akin to a Hollywood film, despite the proximity of the campus to the city streets. While the locals were never quite tuned to the university’s academic calendar, much less the social schedule of the houses and fraternities, they were aware something pinged on those calendars when the bars and restaurants filled with students.

Tanya lost herself wondering over the surety of men, much less the easy confidence of these young men. One of these men, who was wearing a Yale tee shirt, moved in to stand behind her as she converted her disparate thoughts into words: “They can afford to be picky. They’re young, rich, connected, and they’ll get out of Old Haven someday.”

“They’re cute. I bet they make great boyfriends,” Serge responded as he made unavoidable eye contact with the young man, who was now standing directly over Tanya’s shoulder.

“Hah, get real! These Yalies wouldn’t give you the time of day.” The young man punctuated Tanya’s comment by winking at Serge. Unaware of the pantomiming behind her, Tanya continued punctuated her commentary: “Unless, it’s a few minutes late at night in their dorm.”

Uncomfortably uncertain of whether the young man was responding to Tanya’s comment or if he was just flirting, which felt unlikely, Serge sat speechless and continued staring over Tanya’s shoulder.

Displeased that her pithiness had not incited a response, Tanya demanded: “What are you looking at?”

“The Yalie winking at me behind you,” answered Serge.

“Wishful thinking!” snorted Tanya as she raised her pint glass to her lips as the man behind her winked again.

“No, he’s winking,” responded Serge.

The young man responded by closing and opening his eyes several times quickly, prompting Serge to extend his descriptive commentary: “And now, he’s blinking.” Responding further to Serge’s play-by-play of his actions, the young man raised his hand to his head and began tapping his temple, prompting Serge to say, “And, now he’s thinking.”

Serge’s cheeks began burning with a rosy hue, which let Tanya know he was not joking: “Oh, hell, I guess it’s time for my twenty minute trip to the bathroom.” Tanya rolled her eyes as she stood: “But I’m coming back for my beer, so keep your clothes on.” With that, she darted into the crowd.